Brand Clarity PDFs
Choosing the right words, colors, and photos are all important when capturing the vibe of your business. Here are a handful of guides to help you clarify these elements and build a brand that looks as professional as you are. Download the guides for free below!
Canva Tutorials
Whether you're new to Canva and feel a bit lost, or you've been using it for a while but still feel like you're missing out on "insider secrets" or can't get things to look quite the way you'd like, there's something for everyone here. These videos were done in Canva Pro. (You can also get started with a free account here.)
Design Tutorials
Every week, I answer lots of design-related questions from clients and Facebook group members and realized that these answers would be helpful for many of you too. They’re all super simple things you can do right now, with absolutely no art degree required.
Social Media Tutorials
Think of these as quick and easy design & branding tips and tricks so that you can look a little more professional and a little less DIY on social media. Templates for each are also included for an easy, no-brainer guide.
Favorite Software
There are so many excellent resources out there; these are the ones I love most. It's a great idea to annually reevaluate the tools you use and decide if something else will suit your needs better. Hopefully, this list will give you some helpful ideas.
Resources marked with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links which means if you make a purchase, it usually provides you with a discount and I receive a small commission. I only recommend vendors and products that I also use and love. Please note: I use Mac computers, iPhone, and Firefox browser, so all my recommendations are based on this usage.
Business Software
*Active Campaign
I've tried so many Email Service Providers (ESP), and I've finally found one I can stick with. It allows for tons of design flexibility and provides excellent analytics, something I haven't found elsewhere. This link gives you a discount.
Acuity
Acuity scheduler is now owned by Squarespace, but if your website is on a different platform, you can still use Acuity separately. I now handle all my scheduling through Dubsado, but I used Acuity for years.
*Dubsado
This Client Relationship Management (CRM) software handles all my admin tasks—proposals, contracts, invoices, scheduling, proofs, feedback, follow up. This link gets you 20% off.
Evernote
While I have lots of stuff in Google Drive, Evernote is really the hub for my business. I implemented Stacey Harmon's EverDone process to make the software function for my needs and was grandfathered into her Academy Membership for ongoing learning and support.
Google Workspace
Formerly G Suite, this is the paid business level of Google which allows you to integrate analytics into your website and have a custom email address instead of @gmail.com. Free for the first year with new Squarespace accounts.
Grammarly
Improves my writing, for free.
LastPass
A must-have for securely storing and sharing passwords.
Later
I love this social media scheduler for its ease of use and because it schedules to LinkedIn, which most schedulers don't do.
Loom
I use this ALL the time to record explanatory videos for clients and general training. (See all those tutorial videos up there?) Their paid Business level allows for unlimited video length and number of stored recordings.
QuickBooks Online
Online accounting software allows for seamless, monthly accounting between my bookkeeper and me.
Squarespace
Hands-down my favorite website platform ever. Easy to use and update and, after 7 years in business, it has never been down and never needs backing up. Enough said.
Stripe
Payment processor that connects with Dubsado and QBO.
Toggl Track
This allows me to easily keep track of time spent on business and client activities. Knowing where I was spending my time allowed me to hire my Creative Assistant by knowing exactly where I needed help and how many hours/month it would help.
Voxer
Easy walkie-talkie app for sending messages to colleagues and clients. The free plan only stores messages for up to 2 weeks, so I don't use it for anything I need to track long-term.
Zoom
I was using Zoom long before the WFH shift in 2020. Their paid plan allows unlimited meeting length and is critical for my Mastermind and client meetings.
Creative Software
*Canva
I use this design software for all client digital files that need easy edit access, like social media templates or single worksheets. (Core brand assets and print files are always designed in Adobe Creative Suite.)
*Creative Market
A great resource for backgrounds, patterns, and icons.
*iStock
Reasonably-priced stock photos when you can't find what you need for free. Discount codes: 15% Off Monthly Subscriptions for All Customers — PROMO CODE: MONTHLY15; 10% Off Credits for Everyone — PROMO CODE: ISTOCK10
*Moo
US-based vendor for printed items. Affiliate code gives you 20% off.
Unsplash
Outside of Canva, my fave source for free stock photos. Access my curated Collections here.
Vistaprint
Print vendor with offices in US and Canada. Be sure to choose the right site for your location.
Other Resources
I’ve pulled together supplies and other favorites that I recommend to friends and colleagues over and over. Some are specifically business-focused, some keep me organized, and others support my creativity.
Favorite Office Supplies
Ugmonk XL Leather mouse pad I've had mine for years and it looks brand new.
Mutti & Klaus wool desk pad Sustainably crafted in Canada with wool from free-roaming sheep and biodegradable cork.
Hemlock & Oak My new favorite planner. You can read about my other preferred planners here.
Leuchtturm1917 Their classic, dotted A5 is the perfect bullet journal for all my handwritten notes. Also available on their US site and other retailers like Amazon and Indigo.
Milk Jar Candle Company Hand-poured in Canada using clean-burning coconut soy wax and natural wood wicks that crackle like a real fireplace! Read more about the company here. I love gifting these to clients, friends, and myself!
40 oz. Wide Mouth Hydro Flask with Straw Lid I fill this in the morning and at lunch to get my daily hydration. Sadly, my gorgeous ombre color is discontinued, but they’re always launching new seasonal colors.
Pela Case Protects my iPhone with compostable materials and without the bulk of my old Otter Box.